Hackings Subject Universities to Potential Data Theft

Computer hackings at two U.S. universities have come to light recently, though there is no indication that the responsible parties were interested in stealing personal information, according to the schools.

On March 17, Boston College acknowledged a security breach on a campus computer managed by a third-party vendor that housed a fundraising database. The school alerted the approximately 120,000 alumni on the list, which contained names, addresses and Social Security numbers.

California State University Chico informed students March 14 that hackers gained access to a University Housing and Food Service system containing names, addresses and Social Security numbers for as many as 59,000 people.

Both universities warned students and alumni to take precautions against identity theft, though neither said there was any evidence that the hackers accessed the data.

Kristen Bremner covers list news, insert media, privacy and fundraising for DM News and DMNews.com. To keep up with the latest developments in these areas, subscribe to our daily and weekly e-mail newsletters by visiting www.dmnews.com/newsletters